NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Bat and Bird Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During which period should bat exclusion work be avoided to prevent trapping flightless young inside a structure?
- October through February
- May through mid-August (Correct answer)
- Late August through September
- March through April
Correct answer: May through mid-August
Bat maternity season typically runs from May through mid-August, during which pups are born and cannot yet fly. Performing exclusions during this window traps juveniles inside, leading to die-offs, odor problems, and potential legal violations under state wildlife regulations.
Question 2: Which of the following bird species is NOT protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)?
- Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
- Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
- European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) (Correct answer)
- American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Correct answer: European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
European Starlings, along with House Sparrows and Rock Pigeons, are non-native introduced species explicitly excluded from MBTA protections. This allows NWCOs to control them without federal permits, unlike native migratory species such as swallows and robins.
Question 3: How does a properly installed one-way bat exclusion tube or flap function?
- It traps bats in a holding chamber for relocation
- It emits ultrasonic frequencies that drive bats toward the exit
- It allows bats to crawl out but collapses or closes to prevent re-entry (Correct answer)
- It seals the gap completely while leaving a small light source to attract insects outward
Correct answer: It allows bats to crawl out but collapses or closes to prevent re-entry
A one-way exclusion device is designed so that the bat's outward movement opens the tube or flap, but the device closes behind them, preventing re-entry. This allows the entire colony to self-evacuate over several nights without being harmed or trapped.
Question 4: What is the primary advantage of bird netting over bird spikes when excluding pigeons from a large open warehouse interior?
- Netting is federally mandated for indoor bird control under OSHA regulations
- Netting creates a complete physical barrier that covers expansive open volumes (Correct answer)
- Bird spikes are toxic to pigeons and cannot be used indoors
- Netting costs less per linear foot than spike strips in bulk applications
Correct answer: Netting creates a complete physical barrier that covers expansive open volumes
Bird spikes are only effective along narrow ledges and perching surfaces. In a large interior space, pigeons can roost on rafters, beams, and overhead equipment. Properly installed exclusion netting creates a complete physical barrier across the entire zone, making it the preferred method for interior warehouse exclusion.
Question 5: Which bat species is most commonly encountered roosting in residential attics across the continental United States?
- Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)
- Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
- Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
- Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
The Big Brown Bat is the most frequently encountered species in residential attic situations throughout the continental U.S. due to its strong preference for man-made structures. The Indiana Bat is federally endangered and rarely found in buildings; the Hoary Bat is migratory and roosts in trees; the Mexican Free-tailed Bat is common in large colonies in the Southwest but less often in residential attics in northern regions.
Question 6: What is the MINIMUM level of respiratory protection considered appropriate when disturbing and cleaning a large accumulation of bat or bird droppings?
- A standard N95 dust mask
- A single-use surgical face mask
- An N100 or P100 half-face respirator with disposable coveralls (Correct answer)
- A ventilated hard hat with a clear face shield
Correct answer: An N100 or P100 half-face respirator with disposable coveralls
Dried bat and bird guano can contain Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores that become airborne when disturbed. An N100 or P100 respirator provides 99.97% filtration efficiency against airborne particulates, significantly better than an N95. Disposable coveralls and gloves are also required to prevent skin contact and cross-contamination.
NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Bat and Bird Management 1
During which period should bat exclusion work be avoided to prevent trapping flightless young inside a structure?